As the current players and perhaps as many as 75 former Crusaders (one even came from Texas) looked on, with complete reverence, Algeo stood with head bowed as a glowing bio was read over the PA system. His wife of 52 years, Mickey, popped up to hand him yellow roses and Tim Quinn, the principal, offered a plaque.
Not inclined to babble, Algeo said "Thank you" while waving his hand and someone nearby said, much louder, "Thank you, coach." Others echoed those sentiments.
After informing the underclassmen he would let them know today about the status of the JV game - hey, a coach's work is never done - he walked away from the group, head still bowed . . . Didn't get too far, though. He was lifted off his feet and carried to the sideline.
Next, he shook hands and/or posed for pictures with patient, lined-up former players, then finally the media approached.
When asked what he'd miss, Algeo smiled and shot back, "I won't miss getting beat by 40-8."
Yes, folks, that was the final score in Jim Algeo's final game.
The occasion was a Catholic AA regular-season finale against long-mighty West Catholic. A win would have put LC in the playoffs, but a loss was expected by anyone with a hint of common sense, which explained the impressive turnout on a chilly night. A school night, no less. With a 7:45 starting time mixed in. They knew his career would be ending.
This was a makeup game. The teams had been scheduled to meet Saturday at Wissahickon High. But the snow intervened and a postponement occurred, even though both squads were already on site. The new venue was Plymouth-Whitemarsh and the late start was necessitated because P-W first played its own makeup.
Well before the game, Algeo said the last two-odd weeks since he'd announced his plans to retire had been rather whirlwindish. Calls, emails, letters. Nonstop.
